[Mortality from postoperative complications (failure to rescue) after cardiac surgery in a university hospital].

Objective: This study analyses the rate of post-operative complications after cardiac surgery, the incidence of the failure to rescue (FR), and the relationship between complications and survival.

Methods: The study included a total of 2,750 adult patients operated of cardiac surgery between January 2003 and December 2009. An analysis was made of 9 post-operative complications.

Relationship between Urinary Level of Phytate and Valvular Calcification in an Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Pathological calcification generally consists of the formation of solid deposits of hydroxyapatite (calcium phosphate) in soft tissues. Supersaturation is the thermodynamic driving force for crystallization, so it is believed that higher blood levels of calcium and phosphate increase the risk of cardiovascular calcification. However several factors can promote or inhibit the natural process of pathological calcification.

Systolic volume index by Doppler echocardiography is an useful marker for stratification and prognostic evaluation in patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved ejection fraction.

Introduction And Objectives: The prognosis of patients with severe aortic stenosis, low aortic gradient and preserved ejection fraction is controversial. Our study analyzed the prognosis of these patients and its relation to pressure gradient and aortic valve flow.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 363 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis and preserved ejection fraction, divided into 4 groups, based on the presence of a systolic volume index greater or lower than 35 mL/m(2) and the presence of a mean aortic gradient greater or lower than 40 mmHg.

Long-Term Mortality After Pneumonia in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

Background: The role that intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired pneumonia plays in the long-term outcomes of cardiac surgery patients is not well known. This study examined the association of pneumonia with in-hospital mortality and long-term mortality after adult cardiac surgery.

Methods: A total of 2750 patients admitted to our ICU after cardiac surgery from January 2003 to December 2009 are the basis for this observational study.

[Red cell transfusion and long-term survival in non-complicated heart surgery].

Objective: A study was made to explore the possible association between the perioperative transfusion of 1 - 2 red blood cell units and in-hospital morbidity, 30-day mortality, and long-term survival in patients undergoing heart surgery.

Design: A prospective observational study was carried out.

Setting: The ICU of a university hospital.